Glove with reinforced fingers

ABSTRACT

A glove for protecting a hand of a user includes a main glove body configured to receive a metacarpal of the hand and a glove finger coupled to the main glove body and extending longitudinally away from the glove main body. The glove finger is configured to receive a finger of the hand, and the glove finger includes a panel defining a rolled tip arrangement at an end of the glove finger. The glove further includes a fingertip reinforcement bonded to an interior surface of the panel and positioned to extend between the panel and a fingertip of the finger of the hand.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to clothing. More specifically,the present disclosure relates to gloves, in particular gloves thatinclude reinforcements in specific areas, for example the fingertips,including the thumb.

Gloves are used to protect users' hands in a variety of applications.Gloves facilitate handling objects while preventing the users' handsfrom coming in direct contact with contaminants, such as dirt or rust,or potentially dangerous surfaces, such as sharp edges, moving parts,heat sources, and the like. Over extended periods of use, gloves canbecome worn or lose functionality and require repair or replacement. Dueto how users commonly grasp objects, this wear commonly occurs first atthe ends of the fingers of the gloves near the user's fingertips,including the tip of the thumb.

SUMMARY

At least one embodiment relates to a glove for protecting a hand of auser. The glove includes a main glove body configured to receive ametacarpal of the hand and a glove finger coupled to the main glove bodyand extending longitudinally away from the glove main body. The glovefinger is configured to receive a finger of the hand, including a thumb,and the glove finger includes a panel defining a rolled tip arrangementat an end of the glove finger. The glove further includes a fingertipreinforcement bonded to an interior surface of the panel and positionedto extend between the panel and a fingertip of the finger of the hand.Further embodiments comprise an extended back panel that “wraps” aroundthe fingertip to form a reinforcement in the fingertip area by“doubling” the material covering the fingertip. Further embodimentscomprise an extended palm panel that “wraps” around the fingertip toform a reinforcement in the fingertip area by “doubling” the materialcovering the fingertip. Additional embodiments comprise a fingertipreinforcement that is joined to the back panel such that the fingertipreinforcement is joined over the back panel, rather than under thepanel, such that the overlap seam of the fingertip reinforcement is onthe external (away from a user's finger) portion of the back panel,rather than the internal (contacting a user's finger) portion of theback panel. As used herein, “finger” or “fingertip” means the distalportion of any finger of the hand, including the thumb.

Further embodiments relate to a method of manufacturing a glove forprotecting a hand of a user. The method includes providing a first panelat least partially defining a main glove body configured to receive ametacarpal of the hand, coupling a second panel to the first panel, thesecond panel at least partially defining a glove finger configured toreceive a finger of the hand, and the finger having a fingertip. Thesecond panel extends continuously from a bottom surface of the glovefinger to a top surface of the glove finger adjacent the fingertip ofthe finger. In embodiments, the method further includes bonding afingertip reinforcement to an interior surface of the second panel suchthat the fingertip reinforcement is positioned to extend between thefingertip and the second panel. In embodiments, the method furtherincludes bonding a fingertip reinforcement to an exterior surface of thesecond panel such that the fingertip reinforcement is positioned toextend between the fingertip and the second panel. In embodiments, themethod further includes bonding a fingertip reinforcement to an interiorsurface of the second panel such that the fingertip reinforcement ispositioned to extend between the fingertip and the second panel.Disclosed embodiments comprise a reinforced region overlapping the backpanel such that the ridge formed by the overlap is raised on the outsideof the glove, thus removing the risk of a user “catching” a fingertip asthe finger is inserted. Disclosed embodiments can compriseheat-resistant and fire-retardant materials, for example yarns, fabrics,felts, and other fibrous blends having better fire retardant properties,higher heat resistance, lower heat transference, improved durabilitywhen exposed to constant heat or bursts of high heat, together withadequate strength and abrasion resistance, improved softness, betterbreathability, improved moisture regain, increased flexibility andcomfort, and other performance criteria. Disclosed embodiments cancomprise fire retardant/heat resistant fibers includingpolybenzimidazole (PBI), polyphenylene-2, 6benzobisoxazole (PBO),modacrylic, p-aramid, m-aramid, polyvinyl halides, wool, fire resistantpolyesters, fire resistant nylons, fire resistant rayons, cotton, andmelamine. Disclosed embodiments can comprise impact-resistant materials,for example plastics, Kevlar, laminates, and the like.

This summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in anywaylimiting. Other aspects, inventive features, and advantages of thedevices or processes described herein will become apparent in thedetailed description set forth herein, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to likeelements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a top view of a glove, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the glove of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a top view of a flat pattern of a palm panel of the glove ofFIG. 1 .

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of a flat pattern of a back panel of the gloveof FIG. 1 .

FIG. 5 is a top view of a flat pattern of a central finger panel of theglove of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of a flat pattern of a back side thumb panel ofthe glove of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 7 is a top view of a flat pattern of a palm side thumb panel of theglove of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 8 is a section view of a seam of a glove, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 9 is a section view of a seam of a glove, according to anotherexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a section view of a seam of a glove, according to anotherexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a top view of flat pattern of a welt of the glove of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 12 is a top view of a flat pattern of an outer glide patch of theglove of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 14 is a top view of a flat pattern of a fingertip reinforcement ofthe glove of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 15 is a side section view of an index finger of the glove of FIG. 1.

FIG. 16 is a top view of a flat pattern of a thumb reinforcement of theglove of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 17 is a bottom perspective view of a glove, according to anotherexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a bottom perspective views of a glove, according to anotherexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a top view of a glove, according to another exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 20 is a bottom view of the glove of FIG. 19 .

FIG. 21 is a top view of the inside of a finger region wherein the palmpanel is extended over the fingertip and then joined to the back panel,with the overlap creating a ridge facing the user on the exterior of theglove.

FIG. 22 is a top view of the inside of a finger region wherein thefingertip reinforcement portion is attached under the back panel,thereby avoiding formation of a ridge that can impede insertion of theglove over the fingertip, once the glove is ready for use and turnedinside-out (thus placing the raised ridge on the outside of the glove,facing the user).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before turning to the figures, which illustrate certain exemplaryembodiments in detail, it should be understood that the presentdisclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in thedescription or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understoodthat the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description onlyand should not be regarded as limiting.

Referring generally to the Figures, a glove is shown including certainfeatures that improve wear resistance of the glove relative totraditional gloves. In embodiments, each finger of the glove has arolled tip arrangement in which a palm panel extends continuously acrossa fingertip of the user, from below the user's finger to above theuser's finger without any laterally-extending seams. A seam between thepalm panel and a back panel of the glove is positioned away from thefingertip, along a top side of the glove, wherein the palm panel can beattached over the back panel, such that the terminus of the palm paneloverlaps the back panel, thus eliminating the impediment of a “ridge”formed by at the attachment site on the interior of the glove. Thismoves the seam away from areas that experience relatively high amountsof wear, improving the life of the glove.

In embodiments, the glove further includes a fingertip reinforcement atthe end of each of the index, middle, ring, and pinky fingers. Thefingertip reinforcements extend continuously along an interior surfaceof the glove, adjacent the user's fingertips, from below the user'sfinger to above the user's finger. In embodiments, the fingertipreinforcements extend continuously along an exterior surface of theglove, adjacent the user's fingertips, from below the user's finger toabove the user's finger, including the thumb. The fingertipreinforcements increase the thickness of the glove near the fingertips,for example by a factor of 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2,2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3, 3.5, or the like,increasing the amount of wear that the glove can experience prior tofailure. The thickness increase can vary in different areas of theglove, for example in embodiments, the thickness of a single fingertipreinforcement can differ from the thickness of another fingertipreinforcement of the glove. The fingertip reinforcements are, inembodiments, bonded to the corresponding panels of the glove, reducingthe potential for the fingertip reinforcements to separate from thepanels if part of finger of the glove is worn through.

The rolled tip arrangement and the continuous arrangement of thefingertip reinforcement each improve the durability, shock-resistance,impact resistance, and heat-resistance of the glove. Traditional glovesdo not include the rolled tip arrangement or the fingertipreinforcements, instead having a single layer of material with a seamextending laterally across the fingertip. Seams are commonly weaker thanthe surrounding parts of the glove. By way of example, a seam may becompromised by solely severing the thread of a seam, whereas thesurrounding material would have to be worn entirely through to expose auser's finger. Because the fingertip of the user is commonly the firstpart of the user's hand that contacts an object, placing the seam at thefingertip causes the seam to repeatedly come into contact with itemshandled by the glove wearer. This causes the seam to fail prematurely,exposing the user's hand after a relatively short period of use. Inembodiments described herein, the seam between the palm panel and theback panel is positioned away from the fingertip, reducing wear on theseam. Further, this seam is positioned along the top side of the finger,which experiences even less contact with other objects that the bottomside of the finger, further reducing wear on the seam.

The fingertip reinforcements increase the thickness of the glove nearthe fingertip. If the glove did not include the fingertipreinforcements, the user's fingers would be exposed after wearingthrough only a relatively thin portion of the glove. However, because ofthe addition of the fingertip reinforcement, once the outer layer of theglove becomes worn completely through, the fingertip reinforcementfurther protects the finger, further prolonging the life of the glove.In embodiments, the fingertip reinforcement further protects the finger,prolonging the life of the glove once the inner layer of the glovebecomes worn completely through.

Some traditional gloves include an outer protective layer and an innerinsulative layer extending throughout the entirety of the glove. Thefingertip reinforcements of the glove described herein offer certainbenefits not provided by these traditional gloves. Traditionaldual-layer gloves increase the thickness of the entire glove. Incontrast, the disclosed fingertip reinforcements only increase thethickness of the glove in targeted areas where the potential for wear ishighest. Because the fingertip reinforcements do not extend along theentirety of the glove, the amount material used is reduced relative totraditional dual-layer gloves. This reduces the cost and weight of theglove relative to traditional dual-layer gloves, as well as providing animproved experience for the user by increasing the flexibility of theglove as compared to multilayer devices.

In some embodiments, the glove described herein is used during welding.Welders typically wear protective clothing, such as welding gloves, toprotect against the heat generated by a welding torch and to protectagainst sputtering metal generated during the welding process. Duringthe welding process, a welder must squeeze the trigger of a weldingtorch for prolonged periods of time. Squeezing the trigger for suchextended amounts of time can be quite painful to a user, in particularto his or her middle and index fingers because, typically, those are thefingers squeezing the trigger and enduring the majority of the stress.Over time, welders may develop disorders or conditions, such asarthritis, carpel tunnel, and the like during this occupationalexposure. In addition to experiencing abrasion from rubbing againstother objects, welding gloves also experience wear from repeatedlycoming into contact with heated objects (e.g., objects that are hotenough to char burn, or melt the material of the glove). This wear isprimarily experienced at the fingertips of the glove, as this is thepart of the hand commonly used to manipulate objects when welding.Moving the seams of the fingers away from the fingertips reduces thiswear as well. Further, the additional thickness provided by thefingertip reinforcements helps to insulate the fingers of the user atthe most common point of contact without having to insulate the entireglove. The additional thickness also provides cushioning in areas whereforce is applied through the glove by the user.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 , clothing or protective equipment (e.g., aglove) is shown as glove 10 according to an exemplary embodiment.Although only a left-handed glove 10 is shown, it should be understoodthat a right-handed glove may be provided that is substantially similarto the glove 10 shown and described herein. In some embodiments, theglove 10 is a work glove. By way of example, the glove 10 may beconfigured for use in gardening, construction, landscaping, equipmentmaintenance, welding, handling firearms, mining, the oil and gasindustry, driving, or other tasks.

As described herein, a longitudinal direction extends along a length theglove (e.g., between a wrist of a user to the fingertips of the user).Distal indicates something that is closer to the ends of the fingers ofthe glove, and proximal indicates something that is closer to theopening that receives a user's hand. A lateral direction extends along awidth of the glove (e.g., between a side of the user's hand and theuser's thumb). Inner indicates something that is closer to the thumbside (e.g., closer to a centerline of a body of a user wearing thegloves), and outer indicates something that is farther from the thumbside. A vertical direction extends along a thickness of the glove 10(e.g., between the user's palm and a back of the user's hand). A top ofthe glove corresponds to the back of a user's hand, and a bottom of theglove corresponds to a palm of the user's hand. Interior refers tofeatures within the glove 10, and exterior refers to features outsidethe glove 10. Disclosed embodiments comprise a total glove length of 300mm and a glove opening of 170 mm. Further embodiments comprise a totalglove length of 300 mm, a glove opening of 170 mm, and 25 mm (asmeasured from the fingertip) reinforcement regions.

The glove 10 includes a palm portion or main body, shown as main glovebody 20, configured to contain a main portion of the user's handcontaining the metacarpals. Coupled to a first end of the main glovebody 20 is a wrist portion, shown as cuff 30, configured to receive thewrist and/or forearm of the user. The cuff 30 defines an aperture oropening, shown as inlet 32, through which a user can insert their handinto the glove 10. Coupled to a second end of the main glove body 20opposite the cuff 30 are a series of fingers configured to receive thephalanges of the user's fingers. The fingers include a first finger orindex glove finger, shown as index finger 40, a second finger or middleglove finger, shown as middle finger 42, a third finger or ring glovefinger, shown as ring finger 44, and a fourth finger, little glovefinger, or pinky glove finger, shown as pinky finger 46, configured toreceive an index finger, a middle finger, a ring finger, and a pinkyfinger (i.e., a little finger) of the user, respectively. Each of thesefingers of the glove 10 may extend longitudinally away from the mainglove body 20. Each of these fingers of the glove 10 may be at leastpartially separated from one another (e.g., having a gap extendinglaterally between adjacent fingers) to facilitate individual movement ofeach finger. Coupled to a side of the main glove body 20 between thecuff 30 and the index finger 40 is a fifth finger or thumb glove finger,shown as thumb 50, configured to receive a thumb of the user. The thumbextends laterally outward from the main glove body 20. Together, themain glove body 20, the cuff 30, the index finger 40, the middle finger42, the ring finger 44, the pinky finger 46, and the thumb 50 define aninner volume configured to receive a hand and/or a wrist of the user.

The glove 10 may include a variety of different materials. By way ofexample, the glove may use fabric, leather, plastics, or othermaterials. The glove 10 may include flexible materials to facilitatemovement of the user's hand. The glove 10 may include multiple differentmaterials. By way of example, a finger of the glove 10 may utilize afirst material layered onto a second material. In embodiments, the twomaterials can have different properties, for example abrasion-resistanceand heat-resistance, or the like.

Referring to FIGS. 1-16 , the glove 10 is formed from a series ofpieces, sheets, or panels that are coupled to one another. By way ofexample, the panels may be stitched (e.g., sewn, etc.) to one anotheralong one or more seams, or attached by taping, ultrasonic bonding,solvent welding, adhesives, thermal bonding and the like. By way ofanother example, the panels may be bonded (e.g., using an adhesive, suchas epoxy, etc.) to one another. In some embodiments, each panel beginsas a flat sheet of material. The flat sheet is then formed (e.g., bent,rolled, folded, etc.) to the final shape of the glove 10. FIGS. 3-7,11-14, and 16 illustrate the panels of the glove 10 in their flatpattern format, according to an exemplary embodiment. In these figures,solid lines indicate edges of the panels and/or cut lines (i.e., linesalong which a piece of material is cut to form an edge of the panel).Dashed lines indicate the approximate center of a fold or bend. Suchbends may have varying bend radii, depending upon their location withinthe glove 10. Although a specific set of panels is shown, in otherembodiments, the glove 10 is formed using more or fewer panels.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-16 , the glove 10 is a Gunn patternglove. Specifically, the index finger 40 and the pinky finger 46 areformed from a first panel, and the middle finger 42 and the ring finger44 are formed from a second panel that is coupled to the first panel. Inother embodiments, the glove 10 has a different arrangement.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3 , the glove 10 includes a first piece, sheet,or panel (e.g., a bottom panel), shown as palm panel 100. As shown, thepalm panel 100 is formed from a single, continuous piece of material. Inother embodiments, the palm panel 100 includes multiple pieces ofmaterial coupled to one another. The palm panel 100 defines portions ofthe main glove body 20, the index finger 40, and the pinky finger 46.Specifically, the palm panel 100 extends primarily along bottom, inner,and outer surfaces a user's palm, index finger, and pinky finger. Thepalm panel 100 further extends along top surfaces of the user's indexfinger and pinky finger near the fingertips of such fingers.

The palm panel 100 includes a center portion, shown as main palm portion102, that extends along a user's palm. The main palm portion 102 mayform a bottom surface of the glove 10 when the glove 10 is complete.Coupled to a thumb side (i.e., the inner side as shown in FIG. 3 ) ofthe main palm portion 102 is an inner side portion, shown as inner palmportion 104. The inner palm portion 104 is bent upward along alongitudinally-extending bend line, shown as bend line 106, such thatthe inner palm portion 104 extends along an inner side of the mainportion of a user's hand. Coupled to a side of the main palm portion 102opposite the thumb side (i.e., the right side as shown in FIG. 3 ) is anouter side portion, shown as outer palm portion 108. The outer palmportion 108 is bent upward along a longitudinally-extending bend line,shown as bend line 110, such that the outer palm portion 108 extendsalong an outer side of the main portion of a user's hand. An aperture,shown as thumb aperture 112, extends through the main palm portion 102and the inner palm portion 104 along the bend line 106. The thumbaperture 112 is positioned to permit the thumb of the user to extendtherethrough and into the thumb 50 of the glove 10.

The palm panel 100 further includes another center portion, shown asmain index portion 120, that extends along a bottom surface of a user'sindex finger. The main index portion 120 extends longitudinally awayfrom the main palm portion 102. A lateral bend line, shown as bend line122, extends between the main index portion 120 and the main palmportion 102. The main index portion 120 bends relative to the main palmportion 102 about the bend line 122 when a user flexes their indexfinger.

Coupled to a thumb side (i.e., the left side as shown in FIG. 3 ) of themain index portion 120 is an inner side portion, shown as inner indexportion 130. The inner index portion 130 is bent upward along alongitudinally-extending bend line, shown as bend line 132, such thatthe inner index portion 130 extends along an inner side of the user'sindex finger. As shown, the inner index portion 130 is continuous withthe inner palm portion 104. Coupled to a side of the main index portion120 opposite the thumb side (i.e., the right side as shown in FIG. 3 )is an outer side portion, shown as outer index portion 134. The outerindex portion 134 is bent upward along a longitudinally-extending bendline, shown as bend line 136, such that the outer index portion 134extends along an outer side of the user's index finger. A cut separatesthe main palm portion 102 from the outer index portion 134, such thatthe main palm portion 102 defines a middle connection edge 138 and theouter index portion 134 defines a middle connection edge 140, both ofwhich extend laterally in the flat pattern of the palm panel 100. In thecompleted state of the glove 10, the middle connection edge 140 extendssubstantially vertically upward from the main palm portion 102.

The palm panel 100 further includes another center portion, shown asmain index tip portion 150, that extends longitudinally away from themain palm portion 102 in the flat pattern. A lateral bend line, shown asfingertip bend line 152, extends between the main index portion 120 andthe main index tip portion 150. The main index tip portion 150 is bentrelative to the main palm portion 102 about the fingertip bend line 152such that the main index tip portion 150 extends along a top surface ofa user's index finger near the fingertip when the glove 10 is in acompleted state. The fingertip bend line 152 extends laterally acrossthe fingertip of the user.

Coupled to a thumb side (i.e., the left side as shown in FIG. 3 ) of themain index tip portion 150 is an inner side portion, shown as innerindex tip portion 154. The inner index tip portion 154 is bent downwardrelative to the bent main index tip portion 150 along alongitudinally-extending bend line, shown as bend line 156, such thatthe inner index tip portion 154 extends along an inner side of theuser's index finger. The bend line 156 may be continuous with the bendline 132. Coupled to a side of the main index tip portion 150 oppositethe thumb side (i.e., the right side as shown in FIG. 3 ) is an outerside portion, shown as outer index tip portion 158. The outer index tipportion 158 is bent downward relative to the bent main index tip portion150 along a longitudinally-extending bend line, shown as bend line 160,such that the outer index tip portion 158 extends along an outer side ofthe user's index finger. The bend line 160 may be continuous with thebend line 136.

The palm panel 100 further includes another center portion, shown asmain pinky portion 170, that extends along a bottom surface of a user'spinky finger. The main pinky portion 170 extends longitudinally awayfrom the main palm portion 102. A lateral bend line, shown as bend line172, extends between the main pinky portion 170 and the main palmportion 102. The main pinky portion 170 bends relative to the main palmportion 102 about the bend line 172 when a user flexes their pinkyfinger.

Coupled to a thumb side (i.e., the left side as shown in FIG. 3 ) of themain pinky portion 170 is an inner side portion, shown as inner pinkyportion 180. The inner pinky portion 180 is bent upward along alongitudinally-extending bend line, shown as bend line 182, such thatthe inner pinky portion 180 extends along an inner side of the user'spinky finger. Coupled to a side of the main pinky portion 170 oppositethe thumb side (i.e., the right side as shown in FIG. 3 ) is an outerside portion, shown as outer pinky portion 184. The outer pinky portion184 is bent upward along a longitudinally-extending bend line, shown asbend line 186, such that the outer pinky portion 184 extends along anouter side of the user's pinky finger. As shown, the inner pinky portion180 is continuous with the outer palm portion 108. A cut separates themain palm portion 102 from the inner pinky portion 180, such that themain palm portion 102 defines a ring connection edge 188 and the innerpinky portion 180 defines a ring connection edge 190, both of whichextend laterally in the flat pattern of the palm panel 100. In thecompleted state of the glove 10, the ring connection edge 190 extendssubstantially vertically upward from the main palm portion 102. The palmpanel 100 further includes another center portion, shown as main pinkytip portion 200, that extends longitudinally away from the main palmportion 102 in the flat pattern. A lateral bend line, shown as fingertipbend line 202, extends between the main pinky portion 170 and the mainpinky tip portion 200. The main pinky tip portion 200 is bent relativeto the main palm portion 102 about the fingertip bend line 152 such thatthe main pinky tip portion 200 extends along a top surface of a user'spinky finger near the fingertip when the glove 10 is in a completedstate. The fingertip bend line 202 extends laterally across thefingertip of the user. Coupled to a thumb side (i.e., the left side asshown in FIG. 3 ) of the main pinky tip portion 200 is an inner sideportion, shown as inner pinky tip portion 204. The inner pinky tipportion 204 is bent downward relative to the bent main pinky tip portion200 along a longitudinally-extending bend line, shown as bend line 206,such that the inner pinky tip portion 204 extends along an inner side ofthe user's pinky finger. The bend line 206 may be continuous with thebend line 182. Coupled to a side of the main pinky tip portion 200opposite the thumb side (i.e., the right side as shown in FIG. 3 ) is anouter side portion, shown as outer pinky tip portion 208. The outerpinky tip portion 208 is bent downward relative to the bent main pinkytip portion 200 along a longitudinally-extending bend line, shown asbend line 210, such that the outer pinky tip portion 208 extends alongan outer side of the user's pinky finger. The bend line 210 may becontinuous with the bend line 186.

Referring to FIG. 3 , the edges of the palm panel 100 connect to otherpanels to form the glove 10. Proceeding clockwise around the perimeterof the palm panel 100, the palm panel 100 includes: a cuff connectionedge 220 defined by the main palm portion 102, the inner palm portion104, and the outer palm portion 108 that extends laterally in the flatpattern; a back connection edge 222 defined by the inner palm portion104 that extends longitudinally in the flat pattern; an index connectionedge 224 defined by the inner index portion 130 that extendslongitudinally in the flat pattern; an index tip connection edge 226defined by the inner index tip portion 154 that extends longitudinallyin the flat pattern; an index tip connection edge 228 defined by theinner index tip portion 154, the main index tip portion 150, and theouter index tip portion 158 that extends laterally in the flat pattern;an index tip connection edge 230 defined by the outer index tip portion158 that extends longitudinally in the flat pattern; an index connectionedge 232 defined by the outer index portion 134 that extendslongitudinally in the flat pattern; the middle connection edge 140; themiddle connection edge 138; the ring connection edge 188; the ringconnection edge 190; a pinky connection edge 234 defined by the innerpinky portion 180 that extends longitudinally in the flat pattern; apinky tip connection edge 236 defined by the inner pinky tip portion 204that extends longitudinally in the flat pattern; a pinky tip connectionedge 238 defined by the inner pinky tip portion 204, the main pinky tipportion 200, and the outer pinky tip portion 208 that extends laterallyin the flat pattern; a pinky tip connection edge 240 defined by theouter pinky tip portion 208 that extends longitudinally in the flatpattern; a pinky connection edge 242 defined by the outer pinky portion184 that extends longitudinally in the flat pattern; and a backconnection edge 244 defined by the outer palm portion 108 that extendslongitudinally in the flat pattern.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4 , the glove 10 includes a second piece,sheet, or panel, (e.g., a top panel) shown as back panel 300. As shown,the back panel 300 is formed from a single, continuous piece ofmaterial. In other embodiments, the back panel 300 includes multiplepieces of material coupled to one another. The back panel 300 definesportions of the main glove body 20, the index finger 40, the middlefinger 42, the ring finger 44, and the pinky finger 46. Specifically,the back panel 300 extends primarily along top surfaces of the back of auser's hand and a user's index finger, middle finger, ring finger, andpinky finger.

The back panel 300 includes a center portion, main portion, knuckleportion, or hand back portion, shown as knuckle portion 302, thatextends along the back of a user's hand. Specifically, as shown, theknuckle portion 302 extends across a user's most proximal knuckles. Theknuckle portion 302 may form a top surface of the glove 10 when theglove 10 is complete. Coupled to and extending longitudinally away fromthe knuckle portion 302 are a series of finger portions, shown as indexportion 310, middle portion 312, ring portion 314, and pinky portion316. The index portion 310, the middle portion 312, the ring portion314, and the pinky portion 316 are configured to extend along topsurfaces of a user's index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and pinkyfinger, respectively. The index portion 310, the middle portion 312, thering portion 314, and the pinky portion 316 are configured to bendrelative to the knuckle portion 302 about longitudinally-extending bendlines, shown as bend line 320, bend line 322, bend line 324, and bendline 326, respectively. Specifically, the index portion 310, the middleportion 312, the ring portion 314, and the pinky portion 316 areconfigured to bend when the user flexes their corresponding fingers.

A first cut separates the index portion 310 from the middle portion 312,such that the index portion 310 defines an index connection edge 330 andthe middle portion 312 defines a middle connection edge 332, both ofwhich extend longitudinally in the flat pattern of the back panel 300. Asecond cut separates the middle portion 312 from the ring portion 314,such that the middle portion 312 defines a middle connection edge 334and the ring portion 314 defines a ring connection edge 336, both ofwhich extend longitudinally in the flat pattern of the back panel 300. Athird cut separates the ring portion 314 from the pinky portion 316,such that the ring portion 314 defines a ring connection edge 338 andthe pinky portion 316 defines a pinky connection edge 340, both of whichextend longitudinally in the flat pattern of the back panel 300. Thefirst, second, and third cuts facilitate independent movement of thefingers of the glove 10.

Referring to FIG. 4 , the edges of the back panel 300 connect to otherpanels to form the glove 10. Proceeding clockwise around the perimeterof the back panel 300, the back panel 300 includes: a back connectionedge 350 defined by the knuckle portion 302 and extending laterally inthe flat pattern; a palm connection edge 352 defined by the knuckleportion 302 and extending longitudinally in the flat pattern; a pinkyconnection edge 354 defined by the pinky portion 316 that extendslongitudinally in the flat pattern; a pinky tip connection edge 356defined by the pinky portion 316 that extends laterally in the flatpattern; the pinky connection edge 340; the ring connection edge 338; aring tip connection edge 358 defined by the ring portion 314 thatextends laterally in the flat pattern; the ring connection edge 336; themiddle connection edge 334; a middle tip connection edge 360 defined bythe middle portion 312 that extends laterally in the flat pattern; themiddle connection edge 332; the index connection edge 330; an index tipconnection edge 362 defined by the index portion 310 that extendslaterally in the flat pattern; an index connection edge 364 defined bythe index portion 310 that extends longitudinally in the flat pattern;and a palm connection edge 366 defined by the knuckle portion 302 thatextends longitudinally in the flat pattern.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 5 , the glove 10 includes a third piece,sheet, or panel, (e.g., a bottom panel) shown as central finger panel400. As shown, the central finger panel 400 is formed from a single,continuous piece of material. In other embodiments, the central fingerpanel 400 includes multiple pieces of material coupled to one another.The central finger panel 400 defines portions of the middle finger 42and the ring finger 44. Specifically, the central finger panel 400extends along inner, outer, and bottom surfaces of the user's middlefinger and ring finger.

The central finger panel 400 includes a first center portion, shown asmain middle portion 402, that extends along a bottom surface of a user'smiddle finger. Coupled to a thumb side (i.e., the back side as shown inFIG. 5 ) of the main middle portion 402 is an inner side portion, shownas inner middle portion 404. The inner middle portion 404 is bent upwardalong a bend line 406, such that the inner middle portion 404 extendsalong an inner side of the user's middle finger. The bend line 406extends laterally in the flat pattern and longitudinally in thecompleted glove 10. Coupled to a side of the main middle portion 402opposite the thumb side (i.e., the front side as shown in FIG. 5 ) is anouter side portion, shown as outer middle portion 408. The outer middleportion 408 is bent upward along a bend line 410, such that the outermiddle portion 408 extends along an outer side of the user's middlefinger. The bend line 410 extends laterally in the flat pattern andlongitudinally in the completed glove 10.

The central finger panel 400 further includes another center portion,shown as main middle tip portion 420, that extends laterally away fromthe main middle portion 402 in the flat pattern. A fingertip bend line422 extends between the main middle portion 402 and the main middle tipportion 420. The fingertip bend line 422 extends longitudinally in theflat pattern and laterally in the completed glove 10. The main middletip portion 420 is bent relative to the main middle portion 402 aboutthe fingertip bend line 422 such that the main middle tip portion 420extends along a top surface of a user's middle finger near the fingertipwhen the glove 10 is in a completed state. In the completed state of theglove 10, the fingertip bend line 422 extends laterally across thefingertip of the user.

Coupled to a thumb side (i.e., the back side as shown in FIG. 5 ) of themain middle tip portion 420 is an inner side portion, shown as innermiddle tip portion 424. The inner middle tip portion 424 is bentdownward relative to the bent main middle tip portion 424 along a bendline 426, such that the inner middle tip portion 424 extends along aninner side of the user's middle finger. The bend line 426 extendslaterally in the flat pattern and longitudinally in the completed glove10. The bend line 426 may be continuous with the bend line 406. Coupledto a side of the main middle tip portion 420 opposite the thumb side(i.e., the front side as shown in FIG. 5 ) is an outer side portion,shown as outer middle tip portion 428. The outer middle tip portion 428is bent downward relative to the bent main middle tip portion 420 alonga bend line 430, such that the outer middle tip portion 428 extendsalong an outer side of the user's middle finger. The bend line 430extends laterally in the flat pattern and longitudinally in thecompleted glove 10. The bend line 430 may be continuous with the bendline 410.

The central finger panel 400 includes a second center portion, shown asmain ring portion 442, that extends along a bottom surface of a user'sring finger. Coupled to a thumb side (i.e., the back side as shown inFIG. 5 ) of the main ring portion 442 is an inner side portion, shown asinner ring portion 444. The inner ring portion 444 is bent upward alonga bend line 446, such that the inner ring portion 444 extends along aninner side of the user's ring finger. The bend line 446 extendslaterally in the flat pattern and longitudinally in the completed glove10. Coupled to a side of the main ring portion 442 opposite the thumbside (i.e., the back side as shown in FIG. 5 ) is an outer side portion,shown as outer ring portion 448. The outer ring portion 448 is bentupward along a bend line 450, such that the outer ring portion 448extends along an outer side of the user's ring finger. The bend line 450extends laterally in the flat pattern and longitudinally in thecompleted glove 10.

The central finger panel 400 further includes another center portion,shown as main ring tip portion 460, that extends laterally away from themain ring portion 442 in the flat pattern. A fingertip bend line 462extends between the main ring portion 442 and the main ring tip portion460. The fingertip bend line 462 extends longitudinally in the flatpattern and laterally in the completed glove 10. The main ring tipportion 460 is bent relative to the main ring portion 442 about thefingertip bend line 462 such that the main ring tip portion 460 extendsalong a top surface of a user's ring finger near the fingertip when theglove 10 is in a completed state. In the completed state of the glove10, the fingertip bend line 462 extends laterally across the fingertipof the user.

Coupled to a thumb side (i.e., the back side as shown in FIG. 5 ) of themain ring tip portion 460 is an inner side portion, shown as inner ringtip portion 464. The inner ring tip portion 464 is bent downwardrelative to the bent main ring tip portion 460 along a bend line 466,such that the inner ring tip portion 464 extends along an inner side ofthe user's ring finger. The bend line 466 extends laterally in the flatpattern and longitudinally in the completed glove 10. The bend line 466may be continuous with the bend line 446. Coupled to a side of the mainring tip portion 460 opposite the thumb side (i.e., the back side asshown in FIG. 5 ) is an outer side portion, shown as outer ring tipportion 468. The outer ring tip portion 468 is bent downward relative tothe bent main ring tip portion 460 along a bend line 470, such that theouter ring tip portion 468 extends along an outer side of the user'sring finger. The bend line 470 extends laterally in the flat pattern andlongitudinally in the completed glove 10. The bend line 470 may becontinuous with the bend line 450.

Referring to FIG. 5 , the outer middle portion 408 and the inner ringportion 444 are coupled to one another such that they are continuouswith one another. The outer middle portion 408 and the inner ringportion 444 are bent relative to one another about a bend line 480.Specifically, both the outer middle portion 408 and the inner ringportion 444 are bent downward (i.e., into the page as shown in FIG. 5 )about the bend line 480. The bend line 480 extends longitudinally in theflat pattern and vertically in the completed glove 10. The lateralposition of the bend line 480 is based on the desired lengths of themiddle finger 42 and the ring finger 44.

A cut separates the main middle portion 402 and the inner middle portion404 from the main ring portion 442 and the outer ring portion 448. Alongthis cut, the main middle portion 402 defines a palm connection edge 482and the inner middle portion 404 defines an index connection edge 484,both of which extend longitudinally in the flat pattern of the palmpanel 100. Along the cut, the main ring portion 442 defines a palmconnection edge 486 and the outer ring portion 448 defines a pinkyconnection edge 488, both of which extend longitudinally in the flatpattern of the palm panel 100. In the completed state of the glove 10,the palm connection edge 482 and the palm connection edge 486 extendsubstantially laterally and the index connection edge 484 and the pinkyconnection edge 488 extend substantially vertically.

Referring to FIG. 5 , the edges of the central finger panel 400 connectto other panels to form the glove 10. Proceeding clockwise around theperimeter of the central finger panel 400, the central finger panel 400includes: a ring connection edge 500 defined by the inner ring portion444 that extends laterally in the flat pattern; a ring tip connectionedge 502 defined by the inner ring tip portion 464 that extendslaterally in the flat pattern; a ring tip connection edge 504 defined bythe inner ring tip portion 464, the main ring tip portion 460, and theouter ring tip portion 468 that extends longitudinally in the flatpattern; a ring tip connection edge 506 defined by the outer ring tipportion 468 that extends laterally in the flat pattern; a ringconnection edge 508 defined by the outer ring portion 448 that extendslaterally in the flat pattern; the pinky connection edge 488; the palmconnection edge 486; the palm connection edge 482; the index connectionedge 484; a middle connection edge 510 defined by the inner middleportion 404 that extends laterally in the flat pattern; a middle tipconnection edge 512 defined by the inner middle tip portion 424 thatextends laterally in the flat pattern; a middle tip connection edge 514defined by the inner middle tip portion 424, the main middle tip portion420, and the outer middle tip portion 428 that extends longitudinally inthe flat pattern; and a middle tip connection edge 516 defined by theouter middle tip portion 428 that extends laterally in the flat pattern;a middle connection edge 518 defined by the outer middle portion 408that extends laterally in the flat pattern.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 , the glove 10 further includes a fourthpiece, sheet, or panel, (e.g., a top panel) shown as rear back panel600, extends along the back of the main portion of a user's hand,between the back panel 300, the palm panel 100, and the cuff 30. Inother embodiments, the rear back panel 600 is omitted, and the backpanel 300 is extended to meet the cuff 30. The cuff 30 includes a fifthpiece, sheet, or panel, shown as cuff panel 602. The cuff panel 602substantially surrounds the user's wrist and/or forearm.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7 , the glove 10 includes a third piece, sheet,or panel, shown as back side thumb panel 650, and a fourth piece, sheet,or panel, shown as palm side thumb panel 652. The back side thumb panel650 extends along a top side of a user's thumb. The palm side thumbpanel 652 extends along a bottom side of a user's thumb. The back sidethumb panel 650 includes a thumb connection edge 660 and a palmconnection edge 662. The palm side thumb panel 652 includes a thumbconnection edge 670 and a palm connection edge 672.

In some embodiments, the panels of the glove 10 are coupled to oneanother along a series of seams. FIGS. 8-10 illustrate examples ofpossible seam arrangements used in the glove 10. In each seam, an edgeE1 of a first panel P1 is brought adjacent an edge E2 of another panelP2. The edges E1, E2 are then coupled to one another (e.g., withadhesive, with a thread T that extends through both panels, etc.). FIG.8 illustrates an internal seam where both of the edges E1, E2 arepositioned within the glove 10. FIG. 9 illustrates an external seamwhere both of the edges E1, E2 are positioned outside of the glove 10.FIG. 10 illustrates an overlapping seam where the edge E1 is positionedoutside of the glove 10 and the edge E2 is positioned inside of theglove.

Referring to FIGS. 1-7 , a first series of seams extend longitudinallyalong the length of the glove 10, forming the fingers and the main glovebody 20. A first seam extends longitudinally, coupling the backconnection edge 222 of the palm panel 100 to an edge of the rear backpanel 600 and the palm connection edge 366 of the back panel 300 andcoupling the index connection edge 224 of the palm panel 100 to theindex connection edge 364 of the back panel 300 and the index tipconnection edge 226 of the palm panel 100. A second seam extendslongitudinally, coupling the index connection edge 232 of the palm panel100 to the index tip connection edge 230 of the palm panel 100 and theindex connection edge 330 of the back panel 300. A third seam extendslongitudinally, coupling the middle connection edge 510 of the centralfinger panel 400 to the middle tip connection edge 512 of the centralfinger panel 400 and the middle connection edge 332 of the back panel300. A fourth seam extends longitudinally, coupling the middleconnection edge 518 of the central finger panel 400 to the middle tipconnection edge 516 of the central finger panel 400 and the middleconnection edge 334 of the back panel 300. A fifth seam extendslongitudinally, coupling the ring connection edge 500 of the centralfinger panel 400 to the ring tip connection edge 502 of the centralfinger panel 400 and the ring connection edge 336 of the back panel 300.A sixth seam extends longitudinally, coupling the ring connection edge508 of the central finger panel 400 to the ring tip connection edge 506of the central finger panel 400 and the ring connection edge 338 of theback panel 300. A seventh seam extends longitudinally, coupling thepinky connection edge 234 of the palm panel 100 to the pinky tipconnection edge 236 of the palm panel 100 and the pinky connection edge340 of the back panel 300. An eighth seam extends longitudinally,coupling the back connection edge 244 of the palm panel 100 to an edgeof the rear back panel 600 and the palm connection edge 352 of the backpanel 300 and coupling the pinky connection edge 242 of the palm panel100 to the pinky connection edge 354 of the back panel 300 and the pinkytip connection edge 240 of the palm panel 100.

A second series of seams extend laterally across a width of the glove10, coupling the back panel 300 to the palm panel 100 and the centralfinger panel 400 to form fingertip portions of the glove 10. A ninthseam extends laterally along the glove 10, coupling the index tipconnection edge 228 of the palm panel 100 to the index tip connectionedge 362 of the back panel 300. A tenth seam extends laterally along theglove 10, coupling the middle tip connection edge 514 of the centralfinger panel 400 to the middle tip connection edge 360 of the back panel300. An eleventh seam extends laterally along the glove 10, coupling thering tip connection edge 504 of the central finger panel 400 to the ringtip connection edge 358 of the back panel 300. A twelfth seam extendslaterally along the glove 10, coupling the pinky tip connection edge 238of the palm panel 100 to the pinky tip connection edge 356 of the backpanel 300.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, and 5 , a seam 700 wraps partially around themiddle finger 42 and the ring finger 44, coupling the central fingerpanel 400 to the palm panel 100. A first portion of the seam 700 extendsvertically across the glove 10, coupling the index connection edge 484of the central finger panel 400 to the middle connection edge 140 of thepalm panel 100. A second portion of the seam 700 extends laterallyacross the glove 10, coupling the palm connection edge 482 of thecentral finger panel 400 to the middle connection edge 138 of the palmpanel 100 and coupling the palm connection edge 486 of the centralfinger panel 400 to the ring connection edge 188 of the palm panel 100.A third portion of the seam 700 extends vertically across the glove 10,coupling the pinky connection edge 488 of the central finger panel 400to the ring connection edge 190 of the palm panel 100.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 11 , the glove 10 may include a seamreinforcement member, piece, or panel, shown as welt 702. The welt 702extends along part of or the entire length of the seam 700. The welt 702is positioned within the seam 700 between the central finger panel 400and the palm panel 100. The welt 702 may strengthen the seam 700 toresist separation of the central finger panel 400 from the palm panel100 over time. In other embodiments, the welt 702 is omitted. In someembodiments, one or more of the other seams of the glove 10 includewelts to strengthen the seams.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 6, and 7 , a first thumb seam extends along aperimeter of the thumb 50, coupling the thumb connection edge 660 of theback side thumb panel 650 to the thumb connection edge 670 of the palmside thumb panel 652. A second thumb seam couples the palm connectionedge 662 of the back side thumb panel 650 and the palm connection edge672 of the palm side thumb panel 652 to an edge of the thumb aperture112 defined by the palm panel 100. A section or portion of the palmpanel 100 adjacent to the thumb aperture 112, shown as overlapping thumbpad 710, extends partway across the palm side thumb panel 652. A thirdthumb seam couples an edge of the overlapping thumb pad 710 to the palmside thumb panel 652.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 12 , the glove 10 includes a reinforcementpiece, panel, patch, or section, shown as outer glide patch 750. Theouter glide patch 750 extends longitudinally along a length of the glove10. The outer glide patch 750 is coupled to the main glove body 20 andthe pinky finger 46. As shown, the outer glide patch 750 is positionedon the exterior of the glove 10. As shown, the outer glide patch 750extends along a top surface of the back panel 300 and the rear backpanel 600, a bottom surface of the palm panel 100, and an outer surfaceof the palm panel 100, the back panel 300, and the rear back panel 600.As shown, the outer glide patch 750 is stitched to the palm panel 100,the back panel 300, and the rear back panel 600 at a seam extendingalong a perimeter of the outer glide patch 750. In other embodiments,the outer glide patch 750 is bonded to the palm panel 100, the backpanel 300, and/or the rear back panel 600. The outer glide patch 750 mayreduce wear on the glove 10 caused by a user rubbing an outer side ofthe glove 10 against another object.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 13 , the glove 10 includes a reinforcementpiece, panel, patch, or section, shown as thumb reinforcement patch 760.The thumb reinforcement patch 760 extends partway along a length of thethumb 50, from the connection of the thumb 50 and the main glove body 20toward the end of the thumb 50. The thumb reinforcement patch 760 ispositioned on an outer side of the thumb 50 such that, when a usertouches their thumb to the main portion of their hand, the thumbreinforcement patch 760 engages the main glove body 20. The thumbreinforcement patch 760 extends along the seam between the thumbconnection edge 660 and the thumb connection edge 670. As shown, thethumb reinforcement patch 760 is positioned on the exterior of the glove10. As shown, the thumb reinforcement patch 760 extends along a topsurface of the back side thumb panel 650, a bottom surface of the palmside thumb panel 652, and an outer surface of the palm side thumb panel652 and the back side thumb panel 650. As shown, the thumb reinforcementpatch 760 is stitched to the palm panel 100, the palm side thumb panel652, and the back side thumb panel 650 at a seam extending along aperimeter of the thumb reinforcement patch 760. In other embodiments,the thumb reinforcement patch 760 is bonded to the palm panel 100, thepalm side thumb panel 652, and/or the back side thumb panel 650. Thethumb reinforcement patch 760 may reduce wear on the glove 10 caused bygripping an object (e.g., a hammer, a bat, etc.) between the thumb 50and the main glove body 20.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4 , the glove 10 includes a reinforcementpiece, panel, patch, or section, shown as knuckle reinforcement 770. Theknuckle reinforcement 770 extends laterally along a width of the glove10 and longitudinally along a length of the glove 10. The knucklereinforcement 770 is coupled to the knuckle portion 302 of the backpanel 300. As shown, the knuckle reinforcement 770 is positioned on theinterior of the glove 10 (e.g., on a bottom side of back panel 300). Asshown, the knuckle reinforcement 770 is bonded to the back panel 300.The knuckle reinforcement 770 may be coupled to the back panel 300 priorto assembling the glove 10 (e.g., prior to stitching the back panel 300to the palm panel 100 or the central finger panel 400. The outer glidepatch 750 may reduce wear on the glove 10 caused by contact at a knuckleportion of the glove 10.

Referring to FIG. 14 , the glove 10 includes a series of a reinforcementpieces, panels, patches, or sections, shown as fingertip reinforcements800. Each fingertip reinforcement 800 may be formed from a single,continuous piece of flat material. As shown, the fingertip reinforcement800 includes a top portion 802 coupled to a bottom portion 804. The topportion 802 and the bottom portion 804 are bent relative to one anotherabout a laterally-extending bend line, shown as fingertip bend line 806.The top portion 802 and the bottom portion 804 are continuous across thefingertip bend line 806.

As shown, the flat pattern of the fingertip reinforcement 800 has alength L measured longitudinally across the top portion 802 and thebottom portion 804. In some embodiments, the length L is approximately28 mm. The top portion 802 has a width Wi, and the bottom portion 804has a width W2, each measured laterally. In some embodiments, the widthW2 is approximately 24 mm. The width W2 is greater than the width W1.The length L is greater than the width W2 is greater than the width W1.The top portion 802 has an area Ai, and the bottom portion 804 has anarea A2. The area A2 is larger than the area Ai. The fingertipreinforcement 800 may have a substantially constant thicknessthroughout. Accordingly, a volume of the top portion 802 may be largerthan a volume of the bottom portion 804. In some embodiments, each ofthe fingertip reinforcements 800 are the same size. In otherembodiments, the fingertip reinforcements 800 vary in size based on thesize of the associated finger of the glove 10.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, 5, and 14 , the fingertip reinforcements 800 areintegrated into the fingers of the glove 10. Specifically, the indexfinger 40, the middle finger 42, the ring finger 44, and the pinkyfinger 46 each include a fingertip reinforcement 800. The fingertipreinforcements 800 extend along an interior surface of each finger,between the fingertip of the user and the corresponding panels of thefinger, such that a fingertip of a user contacts the fingertipreinforcement 800 when worn. Each fingertip reinforcement 800 extendsacross and is coupled to the main finger portion of the panel (e.g., themain index portion 120, the main middle portion 402, the main ringportion 442, the main pinky portion 170) and the main tip portion of thepanel (e.g., the main index tip portion 150, the main middle tip portion420, the main ring tip portion 460, the main pinky tip portion 200). Thefingertip bend line 806 of each fingertip reinforcement 800 may alignwith the corresponding fingertip bend line of the palm panel 100 or thecentral finger panel 400 (e.g., the fingertip bend line 152, thefingertip bend line 422, the fingertip bend line 462, the fingertip bendline 202). Accordingly, the top portion 802 extends along a top interiorsurface of the glove 10 and above the corresponding finger of the user,and the bottom portion 804 extends along a bottom interior surface ofthe glove 10 and below the corresponding finger of the user.

Referring to FIG. 15 , a side section view of the index finger 40 of theglove 10 is shown with an index finger F of a user inserted into theindex finger 40. Although only the index finger 40 is shown, it shouldbe understood that the middle finger 42, the ring finger 44, and thepinky finger 46 may have similar arrangements. The index finger Fincludes the phalanges (i.e., phalanx bones) of the user. Specifically,the index finger F includes a distal phalanx P1, an intermediate phalanxP2, and a proximal phalanx P3. The distal phalanx P1 is coupled to theintermediate phalanx P2 at a distal knuckle K1. The intermediate phalanxP2 is coupled to the proximal phalanx P3 at an intermediate knuckle K2.The proximal phalanx P3 is coupled to a corresponding metacarpal M at aproximal knuckle K3. The metacarpal M is contained at least partiallywithin the main glove body 20 of the glove 10. The point on the finger Fmost distal from the metacarpal M is a fingertip FT.

As shown in FIG. 15 , the fingertip bend line 152 and the fingertip bendline 806 are situated at approximately the same vertical position as thefingertip FT. Accordingly, the main index tip portion 150 and the topportion 802 extend above the distal phalanx P1, and the main indexportion 120 and the bottom portion 804 extend below the distal phalanxP1. The main index tip portion 150 and the main index portion 120 extendcontinuously across the fingertip FT from above the distal phalanx P1 tobelow the distal phalanx P1 without any laterally-extending seamsextending across the distal phalanx P1 at the fingertip FT. Accordingly,the index finger 40 has a rolled tip arrangement. Similarly, the topportion 802 and the bottom portion 804 extend continuously across thefingertip FT without any seams.

As shown, the seam between the index tip connection edge 228 and theindex tip connection edge 362 is positioned above the finger F anddistal (e.g., longitudinally forward) of the first knuckle K1. In otherembodiments, this seam is positioned rearward of the first knuckle K1.As shown, the top portion 802 and the bottom portion 804 are positionedentirely forward of the first knuckle K1. In other embodiments, the topportion 802 and/or the bottom portion 804 extend rearward of the firstknuckle K1.

As shown in FIG. 15 , the index finger 40 has a thickness Ti adjacentthe fingertip reinforcement 800. At the fingertip reinforcement 800, theindex finger 40 has a thickness T2, which is greater than the thicknessTi. If the glove 10 did not include the fingertip reinforcement 800, thefinger F would be exposed if the user were to wear through the thicknessTi. However, because of the addition of the fingertip reinforcement 800,once the main index portion 120 and/or the main index tip portion 150become worn completely through (e.g., the wear extends through thethickness Ti), the fingertip reinforcement 800 further protects thefinger F. With the inclusion of the fingertip reinforcement 800, theglove 10 must experience wear through the thickness T2 before failing,prolonging the life of the glove 10.

Because the top portion 802 of the fingertip reinforcement 800 has agreater area than the bottom portion 804, a greater amount (e.g., area,volume, etc.) of material extends across a bottom side of the finger Fthan across the top side of the finger F. In some embodiments, the topportion 802 is approximately the same size and shape of a fingernail ofthe finger F. Because most gripping action takes place along a bottomside of the finger F, this arrangement places more material where agreater amount of wear would normally be experienced, increasing thelife and/or reducing the weight of the glove 10 when compared to afingertip reinforcement 800 having equal amounts of material above andbelow the finger F.

In some embodiments, the fingertip reinforcement 800 is made from adifferent material than the outer layer or outer layers (e.g., the palmpanel 100, the back panel 300, the central finger panel 400, etc.) ofthe glove 10. In some embodiments, the fingertip reinforcements 800 aremore insulative than the outer layer (e.g., to reduce heat loss at thefingertips). In some embodiments, the fingertip reinforcements 800 havea greater coefficient of friction with the finger F than the coefficientof friction of the outer layer with the finger F. This may help preventthe glove 10 from slipping on a user's hand. In some embodiments, theouter layer is more abrasion resistant than the fingertip reinforcements800.

The fingertip reinforcements 800 are bonded to the interior surfaces ofthe corresponding layers (e.g., the palm panel 100, the central fingerpanel 400). This bonding may be performed while the panel is still in aflat pattern (i.e., prior to folding or bending the panels of the glove10), as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 . By bonding the fingertip reinforcements800, the durability of the glove 10 is improved compared to a stitchingattachment. By bonding the fingertip reinforcements 800, most or all ofa surface of the fingertip reinforcement 800 is coupled to thecorresponding panel. Accordingly, even if a portion of the fingertipreinforcement 800 is worn through or becomes decoupled from the panel,the remaining fingertip reinforcement 800 remains coupled to the panel,undisturbed. If the fingertip reinforcement 800 were to be stitched tothe panel, breaking the thread of the seam would release the fingertipreinforcement 800, permitting the fingertip reinforcement 800 topartially or completely separate from the panel.

By bonding the fingertip reinforcements 800 to the outer layer, thefingertip reinforcements 800 can be placed anywhere on the interiorsurface of the glove 10 without having to provide a suitable locationfor threads to couple the fingertip reinforcements 800 to the outerlayer. In some embodiments (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 ), thefingertip reinforcements 800 are relieved (e.g., sized, shaped, etc.)such that the fingertip reinforcements 800 do not extend into the seamsof the outer layer. This may facilitate movement of the fingertipreinforcements 800 relative to the seams of the outer layer, which mayincrease user comfort.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 16 , the thumb 50 includes a reinforcementpiece, panel, patch, or section, shown as thumb reinforcement 900. Thethumb reinforcement 900 may be substantially similar to the fingertipreinforcement 800 (e.g., in construction, in relationship to thecorresponding finger of the glove, in function, etc.) except asotherwise specified herein. The thumb reinforcement 900 extends acrossan interior surface of the palm side thumb panel 652 and below thedistal phalanx of the user's thumb. The thumb reinforcement 900 does notextend across the fingertip of the thumb. Instead, the thumbreinforcement 900 is contained to a bottom side of the thumb 50, belowthe seam between the thumb connection edge 660 and the thumb connectionedge 670.

The thumb reinforcement 900 has a width W measured laterally and alength L measured longitudinally. In some embodiments, the thumbreinforcement 900 has a substantially triangular shape with roundedcorners. In some embodiments, the length L is approximately 33.5 mm. Insome embodiments, the width W is approximately 33 mm.

FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate an alternative embodiment of a glove, shownas glove 1000. The glove 1000 may be substantially similar to the glove10, except as otherwise specified herein. In some embodiments, the glove1000 is a welding glove. FIGS. 19 and 20 illustrate another alternativeembodiment of a glove, shown as glove 1100. The glove 1100 may besubstantially similar to the glove 10, except as otherwise specifiedherein. In some embodiments, the glove 1000 is a work glove. Referringto FIG. 21 (which shows a disclosed embodiment “inside-out”), thefingertip reinforcement 1200 is formed by extending the palm panel overthe fingertip to overlap the back panel. FIG. 22 depicts an alternativeembodiment comprising a separate fingertip reinforcement 1202 that isattached under the back of the hand panel (in this inside-out view),which avoids the formation of an edge that can “catch” a user'sfingertip.

As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,”and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony withthe common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art towhich the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should beunderstood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure thatthese terms are intended to allow a description of certain featuresdescribed and claimed without restricting the scope of these features tothe precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms shouldbe interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequentialmodifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimedare considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited inthe appended claims.

It should be noted that the term “exemplary” and variations thereof, asused herein to describe various embodiments, are intended to indicatethat such embodiments are possible examples, representations, orillustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intendedto connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary orsuperlative examples).

The term “coupled” and variations thereof, as used herein, means thejoining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Suchjoining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g.,removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the twomembers coupled directly to each other, with the two members coupled toeach other using a separate intervening member and any additionalintermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two memberscoupled to each other using an intervening member that is integrallyformed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. If“coupled” or variations thereof are modified by an additional term(e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of “coupled” providedabove is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term(e.g., “directly coupled” means the joining of two members without anyseparate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition thanthe generic definition of “coupled” provided above. Such coupling may bemechanical, electrical, or fluidic.

References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,”“above,” “below”) are merely used to describe the orientation of variouselements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation ofvarious elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments,and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the presentdisclosure.

Although the figures and description may illustrate a specific order ofmethod steps, the order of such steps may differ from what is depictedand described, unless specified differently above. Also, two or moresteps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence, unlessspecified differently above. Such variation may depend, for example, onthe software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. Allsuch variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise,software implementations of the described methods could be accomplishedwith standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and otherlogic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps,comparison steps, and decision steps.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of theglove as shown in the various exemplary embodiments is illustrativeonly. Additionally, any element disclosed in one embodiment may beincorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein. Forexample, the fingertip reinforcements 800 of the exemplary embodimentshown in at least FIGS. 1 and 2 may be incorporated in the glove 1000 ofthe exemplary embodiment shown in at least FIGS. 17 and 18 . Althoughonly one example of an element from one embodiment that can beincorporated or utilized in another embodiment has been described above,it should be appreciated that other elements of the various embodimentsmay be incorporated or utilized with any of the other embodimentsdisclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A glove for protecting a hand of a user,comprising: a main glove body configured to receive metacarpals of thehand; a glove finger coupled to the main glove body and extendinglongitudinally away from the glove main body, wherein the glove fingeris configured to receive a finger of the hand, and wherein the glovefinger includes a panel defining a rolled tip arrangement at an end ofthe glove finger; and a fingertip reinforcement bonded to an interiorsurface of the panel and positioned to extend between the panel and afingertip of the finger of the hand.
 2. The glove of claim 1, whereinthe glove finger is one of an index glove finger configured to receivean index finger of the hand, a middle glove finger configured to receivea middle finger of the hand, a ring glove finger configured to receive aring finger of the hand, or a pinky glove finger configured to receive apinky finger of the hand.
 3. The glove of claim 2, wherein the glovefinger is the index glove finger, wherein the glove finger is the indexglove finger, further comprising the middle glove finger, the ring glovefinger, and the pinky glove finger, and wherein the index glove finger,the middle glove finger, the ring glove finger, and the pinky glovefinger are arranged in a Gunn pattern.
 4. The glove of claim 3, whereinthe panel is a first panel, further comprising a second panel extendingcontinuously from an end of the middle glove finger to an end of thering glove finger, and wherein the first panel extends continuously fromthe end of the index glove finger to an end of the pinky glove finger.5. The glove of claim 1, wherein the glove finger is a first glovefinger and the fingertip reinforcement is a first fingertipreinforcement, the glove further comprising: a second glove finger, athird glove finger, and a fourth glove finger each defining acorresponding rolled tip arrangement; a second fingertip reinforcementbonded to an interior surface of to the second glove finger; a thirdfingertip reinforcement bonded to an interior surface of the third glovefinger; and a fourth fingertip reinforcement bonded to an interiorsurface of the fourth glove finger.
 6. The glove of claim 1, wherein thepanel is a first panel, further comprising a second panel coupled to thefirst panel by a seam, wherein the seam extends laterally across theglove finger.
 7. The glove of claim 6, wherein the second panel is a toppanel that extends across a top surface of the glove finger above thefinger, and wherein the seam is positioned along the top surface of theglove finger.
 8. The glove of claim 7, wherein the first panel is abottom panel that extends continuously across a bottom surface of themain glove body, a bottom surface of the glove finger below the finger,and a top surface of the glove finger above the finger.
 9. The glove ofclaim 1, wherein the fingertip reinforcement does not extend into themain glove body.
 10. The glove of claim 1, wherein the fingertipreinforcement includes a top portion positioned to extend above thefinger of the hand and a bottom portion positioned to extend below thefinger of the hand, and wherein a volume of the top portion is less thana volume of the bottom portion.
 11. A method of manufacturing a glovefor protecting a hand of a user, comprising: providing a first panel atleast partially defining a main glove body configured to receive ametacarpal of the hand; coupling a second panel to the first panel; thesecond panel at least partially defining a glove finger configured toreceive a finger of the hand, the finger having a fingertip, wherein thesecond panel extends continuously from a bottom surface of the glovefinger to a top surface of the glove finger adjacent the fingertip ofthe finger; bonding a fingertip reinforcement to an interior surface ofthe second panel such that the fingertip reinforcement is positioned toextend between the fingertip and the second panel.
 12. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the first panel is coupled to the second panel at aseam, wherein the first panel is one of (a) a top panel defining a topsurface of the main glove body or (b) a bottom panel defining a bottomsurface of the main glove body, and wherein the second panel is theother of (a) the top panel or (b) the bottom panel.
 13. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the first panel is a top panel at least partiallydefining a top surface of the main glove body and a top surface of theglove finger, wherein the second panel is a bottom panel at leastpartially defining a bottom surface of the main glove body and a bottomsurface of the glove finger, and wherein the first panel is coupled tothe second panel at a seam extending across the top surface of the glovefinger.
 14. A method of manufacturing a glove for protecting a hand of auser, comprising: providing a first panel at least partially defining amain glove body configured to receive a metacarpal of the hand; couplinga second panel to the first panel; the second panel at least partiallydefining a glove finger configured to receive a finger of the hand, thefinger having a fingertip, wherein the second panel extends continuouslyfrom a bottom surface of the glove finger to a top surface of the glovefinger adjacent the fingertip of the finger; wherein said panels overlapadjacent to the fingertip, thus forming a reinforced region.